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10 good Security Guard interview questions
- What, in your opinion, are the responsibilities of a security guard?
- Describe your experience with computers.
- What surveillance systems are you familiar with?
- What would you do if you caught a fellow security officer sleeping on the job?
- What would you do if a visitor to your facility resisted metal screening upon entering?
- Have you ever felt like you were in physical danger on the job? How did you handle it?
- How would you handle incidents such as theft or vandalism?
- How would you control large crowds at events?
- Recall a time an unauthorized person tried to enter your building. How did you respond?
- What if an authorized person, such as a senior executive, tried to enter the building after hours but didn’t have proper credentials? What would you do?
Here are 10 essential interview questions and sample answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.
What, in your opinion, are the responsibilities of a security guard?
1. This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of the role and responsibilities of a security guard.
Sample answer:
“The primary responsibilities of a security guard include monitoring premises, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring the safety of people and property.”
2. Describe your experience with computers.
This question evaluates the candidate’s familiarity with technology, which is essential for modern security systems.
Sample answer:
“I have experience using security software for surveillance and access control, as well as basic office software like Microsoft Word and Excel.”
3. What surveillance systems are you familiar with?
This question gauges the candidate’s experience with specific types of security technology.
Sample answer:
“I am familiar with CCTV systems, motion detectors, and biometric access controls.”
4. What would you do if you caught a fellow security officer sleeping on the job?
This question tests the candidate’s integrity and understanding of professional conduct.
Sample answer:
“I would report the incident to my supervisor, as it’s a breach of duty that compromises security.”
5. What would you do if a visitor to your facility resisted metal screening upon entering?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to handle non-compliance and potential security risks.
Sample answer:
“I would calmly explain the importance of the screening process and, if they still resist, deny them entry and report the incident.”
6. Have you ever felt like you were in physical danger on the job? How did you handle it?
This question evaluates the candidate’s ability to manage stressful and potentially dangerous situations.
Sample answer:
“Yes, I once had to deal with a violent intruder. I followed protocol by alerting authorities and ensuring the safety of others until help arrived.”
7. How would you handle incidents such as theft or vandalism?
This question tests the candidate’s problem-solving skills and adherence to procedures.
Sample answer:
“I would immediately secure the area, gather evidence, and report the incident to both my supervisor and the police.”
8. How would you control large crowds at events?
This question assesses the candidate’s ability to manage crowd control in high-pressure situations.
Sample answer:
“I would work closely with event organizers and local authorities to establish a security plan and ensure safe crowd movement.”
9. Recall a time an unauthorized person tried to enter your building. How did you respond?
This question evaluates the candidate’s experience and decision-making skills in real-life scenarios.
Sample answer:
“I confronted the individual, asked for identification, and when they couldn’t provide it, I escorted them off the premises.”
10. What if an authorized person, such as a senior executive, tried to enter the building after hours but didn’t have proper credentials? What would you do?
This question tests the candidate’s ability to balance security protocols with situational judgement.
Sample answer:
“I would verify their identity through other means and consult with my supervisor before granting access.”
What does a good security guard candidate look like?
A strong security guard candidate should have excellent observational skills, a keen sense of responsibility, and the ability to make quick decisions in stressful situations. They should also be well-versed in security technology and protocols.
Red flags
Be cautious of candidates who lack a basic understanding of security protocols, show poor judgement, or have a history of unprofessional conduct.
Security guards are your first line of defense for your premises, personnel and assets. Most employers hire candidates with high school diplomas and formal training (i.e. a diploma). CPR and First Aid certification is desirable, as is experience with surveillance systems and emergency equipment. Comfort with computers is helpful, as they will occasionally have to use CCTV camera programs, email, word processing programs, etc.
This mix of open-ended and situational interview questions will help you evaluate the experience of your candidates as well as their situational judgement. The person you hire should demonstrate good problem-solving skills. They should be alert and quick to respond to emergency situations. They should also have good ethics. During these interviews, see how they respond to coworkers and your own employees attempting unauthorized access to the building and your assets.
It might be helpful to ask some questions about process. For example, we’ve written one that goes “Walk me through the standard procedures for admitting guests at your previous job.” You may not want to know what those are, necessarily, but you’ll want to see that your candidates know standard operating procedures inside and out.
Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more divided into specific types.
